SKY STAR

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Ukrainian crew refuses to leave arrested ship in Douala

16 Ukrainian sailors have announced the intention to stay on the "Sky Star" in the port of Doual until the wage arrears are paid off. The Crew was staying on the ship since there was a significant wage arrears the ship owner has not paid so far. The vessel has been under arrest since February 2013. It had carried rice from Myanmar to Cameroon, but during the transportation the consignment went off. The findings of the Phytosanitary Service of Cameroon indicated unfit rice for consumption that was subject to disposal. The Court of First Instance of Cameroon decided to charge compensation from the ship's captain as a representative of the ship owner, and arrested the vessel. The Embassy of Ukraine in Algeria has provided regular visits of a doctor to the ship, took measures to search for a local law firm to protect the interests of the Ukrainian sailors. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine has officially addressed Cameroon to respect the rights of their citizens, provide their safety and help settle the situation.

20 crew held in Douala, Cameroon, as hostages in commercial dispute

Bulk carrier Sky Star got stuck in Douala, Cameroon, Gulf of Guinea, since Feb 9 13. Ukrainian crew is asking for help, claiming they and the vessel are held in Douala as hostages of some kind of commercial dispute. Regretfully, it’s rather a common accident in ports of West African countries. Vessel was detained under pretext of cargo damage, and in all likelihood, local company, together with authorities, is extorting money from the ship owner. It didn’t justify the owner in delaying crew wages, though. Crew claimed they aren’t paid for months, they all should be replaced with a new crew long time ago, but the ship owner is biding its’ time, trying to minimize losses, actually on crew’s account. Maritime Bulletin received a letter with a plea for help, signed by all 20 crew, including the Captain.